Hocus Pocus has become a classic Halloween movie. As The Nightmare before Christmas and Corpse Bride, it has become a must-watch in a Halloween movie marathon. Some might even say it’s a must-see once the leaves start falling off trees and the air starts smelling like pumpkin spice. But is the movie just the nostalgia of our childhood or can it really stand the test of time?? If Hocus Pocus is looked at in a deeper light, we might see that it ends up being quite overrated.
The movie follows Max Dennison, a normal guy who just moved to Salem and tries to go for his dream girl. In a conversation with his little sister on how to do that, they find themselves with a strange candle. They end up lighting the candle, which brings the three witch sisters of the movie back to life. These three witches were frowned upon during their time and because of that, they were hanged by the people of the town; in return, the three witches promised to return one day for revenge. Now that Max and his sister have lit the candle, they have to find a way to get them back to where they belong and save their town from further danger. In itself, it seems like a good plot for a movie; it gives the Halloween feel but it is also family-friendly. However, there are some problems within the film.
The plot is somewhat interesting but it becomes hard to follow. Meaning, little kids will find themselves confused about what's happening, making it unenjoyable for them and for their parents (who would have to explain every scene of the movie to them). This might also mean that after the first time watching, you might just get tired of its slow pace. Most characters turn out to be unpleasant, with their personalities being numb and unrealistic. It would be more amusing if the characters had a more relatable background or a more interesting personality to follow. Even the most complex personalities of the movie, the witches, could have been developed in a better and more compelling way.
One of the last critiques I will give to the movie is the lack of variety in its music. Hocus Pocus managed to include the incredible song, “I Put a Spell on You.” For most people, listening to that song makes them feel like Halloween is finally here! But there could have been more songs incorporated if they wanted to go for a more musical vibe or even give it a little more entertainment for a more captivating movie. And who knows, maybe it would have given the movie more life and would have made it more pleasurable.
So, should you never watch Hocus Pocus? Of course not! The movie is definitely not unbearable, and it’s also a great story to watch. Besides, it brings back some nice memories. Although, Hocus Pocus is not the type of movie that should be put on the pedestal that it is. It certainly can use some work, and we might expect improvements in the upcoming sequel on its way. But give it a try and decide whether it deserves its reputation as a classic. Or, if we should maybe stick with The Nightmare Before Christmas or Corpse Bride.